Ilia Morozov drafted 20th overall by Buffalo Sabres in 2026 NHL Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 2:10 AM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Ilia Morozov, a rising sophomore from Miami RedHawks, was selected 20th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Morozov becomes the highest draft pick from Miami, surpassing Tyler Biggs, who was 22nd overall in 2011. The 17-year-old from Moscow excelled as Miami's top center, recording eight goals and 12 assists in the past NCAA season. Morozov is expected to return to Miami for another season to further develop his skills, as he is not required to sign with the Sabres immediately. Buffalo recently finished the 2025-26 season with a strong record and made the playoffs for the first time since 2011, where they reached the second round.
- •Morozov played as Miami's top center last season.
- •He recorded eight goals and 12 assists in the NCAA.
- •He is the highest NHL draft pick from Miami.
- •Buffalo finished the last season with a 50-23-9 record.
- •The Sabres made the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
- 2:10 AMYahoo Sports — Miami RedHawks C Ilia Morozov picked 20th overall by Buffalo Sabres
"Ilia Morozov, a Miami Redhawks rising sophomore, was drafted No. 20 overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NHL•Nov 11, 2026, 12:44 AMColumbus Blue Jackets vs Tampa Bay Lightning
NHL•Nov 11, 2026, 12:29 AMChicago Blackhawks vs Buffalo Sabres- NHL•Nov 10, 2026, 11:38 AMBruins' Strong Start Makes Thursday's Canadiens Visit An Early Atlantic Division Test
- NHL•Nov 10, 2026, 9:42 AMNo. 9 UCLA faces UAPB following Kusturica's 29-point showing
NHL•Nov 10, 2026, 9:20 AMVegas plays Utah following Hertl's 2-goal showing- NHL•Nov 10, 2026, 9:10 AMLightning play the Sabres after Holmberg's 2-goal showing
